Big mistake.
Huge.
They’ve shifted toward the water’s edge, where separate bleachers are set up, eager for the next spectacle. People are gathering by the shore, pointing. Chattering.
Waiting.
Wally, for his part? Jumps up and down in front of the bleachers, racing back and forth with his hands around his mouth, shouting, “Who wants to see Harris Bennett get dunked?”
Everyone, obviously.
Annabelle gestures to one of the logs. “Hop on, boys.”
Bill steps up first, moving with the confidence of a man who has done this before. He balances with one foot, then the other, and stands on the log, changing his stance like he was born to do this. ’Cause he was.
I look down at my log. Then at the water. Then back at Annabelle.
“Hypothetically,” I start. “What happens if Idon’tget on?”
She gives me alook. “Hypothetically? I will personally shove you in.”
Chapter 24
Lucy
“What’s the most ridiculous thing a man can do?” I ask Annabelle, crossing my arms and staring at the water. “Hop on a log he has no business being on to show off for a crowd.”
Full disclaimer: I haven’t decided if this is a turn-on or a turnoff.
Because on one hand, Harris looks ridiculous. He’s flailing like a baby deer standing on its legs for the first time, his arms pinwheeling as he tries to steady himself. Harris is wobbling so hard, the log might as well be a trampoline. It’s embarrassing, kind of. Likesecondhand cringe. I can feel my face heating up just watching him.
On the other hand ... those abs.
Those shoulders. That cocky smirk that would be so much easier to ignore if he didn’t look like he just walked off aSports Illustratedcover shoot for the limited-edition mountain-man issue.
In my hands is a thick, gray towel, ready to dispense the second he falls ass over teakettle into the water. Because he will. And I will be ready for him when he emerges.
Annabelle nudges me, standing close as we watch the chaos unfolding on the water with wide eyes. “I don’t even know how to thank Harris. Seriously. If he hadn’t stepped up to help me, this wholething could have gone down in flames. Word has gotten out, and we can officially call the weekend a huge success.
“You’re lucky, you know that?” she goes on, not taking her gaze off Harris. “The way he looks at you? The way he keeps trying to impress you? I’m not saying I would kill for a guy like that, but I might be willing to commit a petty crime.”
I smile.
She’s right.
He is pretty freaking amazing.
Looking at him, I have an ache in my chest now and an itch on my boobs with an unattractive rash on my ass.
I scratch, doing my best to leave it be.
“Honestly, Lucy, I’ve been a little jealous. The past few days, watching you two ... it’s like you’re living in some kind of romantic comedy. And I’m just over here trying to make sure this festival doesn’t implode.”
I look at her, surprised. “Jealous? Of Harris?”
“Of you!” She swats at my arm. “Your meet-cute is with the hottest guy in town. Meanwhile, I’m running around making sure Wally doesn’t hack his fingers off with an axe, which hasn’t been easy.” Annabelle sighs. “Maybe some hot, muscular lumberjack will just come strolling through, dripping with sweat, carrying a log, and sweep me off my feet.”
“It could still happen,” I say, nudging her back. “Harris’s teammates are still in town—not sure if all of them are leaving. Stranger things have happened.”
